The First Day of Basant

School has started, but attendance in quite thin. And I certainly don't blame the kids for not showing up for school. It's cold, misty and there's a freezing wind blowing. Some of the children have to walk long distances and so perhaps they found the weather daunting. I almost declared a holiday today. But then realized that a lot of the children would have to walk back in this freezing weather. They will be warmer in the classrooms.

Nursery in two shifts is working out well. But of course there was some confusion too. Yesterday, some children who belonged to the first session, showed up for the second session. Bhola sent some of them home. But a few burst into tears and so were allowed to sit in class. I guess it will take a while for the routine to set in.

Yesterday at about 11:30 some desperate and distraught parents from Burhikura came to me to ask for permission to take their kids home because of the solar eclipse! The Hindus don't eat during the eclipse and all sorts of superstition is woven around it. Some feel that the children would go blind if they are outdoors. Some others believe that girls would become infertile if they walk in the sun during this period. I tried to explain that they should not believe in such nonsense in this day and age, but finally decided to let some of the children go home. The Santhals, who should be more superstitious, don't believe in any ill effects! They stayed on for the last class. So did Radha and Kartik. At least I have been able to influence some people!

Yesterday was also Sohrai in Roldih and we heard the drums beat all day and all night. Mangal's mother and some other village women came to collect the two sacks of puffed rice and jaggery we had brought for the community. Since I'm here, no one will come to the project because they are drunk. I'm happy they have shown this respect to me and also the project.

Amie, Dani and Tak did some work in the afternoon yesterday. They moved sand and earth to the foundation of the new "building". They also watered some of the trees on the other side of the rock mound. This morning they were up early to wash the dishes. I felt bad for them because the weather is really lousy.

I can't understand this sudden change in the weather. Makar Shankaranti ususally marks the end of cold weather. It's not unusual for it to be bitterly cold on that day. But yesterday was sunny and yet today, which is the first day of Basant (spring) is so cold and clammy! The thermometer shows 12 degrees and yet it is colder than what it was when the thermometer read 8 degrees indoors! It's almost 9:00 and there's still a thick mist all round. I wonder if we'll get to see the sun at all today!